New Orleans announced Saturday afternoon that, despite Gordon's numerous comments in recent days urging the team to let him go, it had submitted its matched offer to the Suns.

The Hornets had an 11:59 p.m. Saturday deadline to match.

"There is always a business element to the NBA when dealing with contracts, but I never lost my appreciation for the New Orleans fans," Gordon said in a statement released by the team. "I look forward to giving my very best on the court this season to make our team successful."